Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed putting Ukraine under temporary rule in order to make way for new elections. Speaking in Murmansk, Putin asserted that his new friend, U.S. President Donald Trump, is serious about bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to an end, Reuters said. Regardless of ceasefire talks that are continuing, Putin said Russia continues to be successful in meeting its strategic goals in the war.
Putin Challenges Zelenskyy’s Legitimacy
Putin’s offer is consistent with his long-standing assertion that Ukraine’s government is not a legitimate negotiating partner. He noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has overstayed in office past the constitutional deadline for elections, which expired on May 24, 2024.
But Ukrainian officials contend that elections are impossible under martial law, which has been in place since the war started three years ago. In reply, the Ukrainian parliament adopted a resolution in February reaffirming Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, pointing to his robust domestic support.
A Government Under Western Oversight?
Speaking to seamen in the Russian port on Friday, Putin proposed having a temporary administration in Ukraine under international control. He said that the United Nations, the United States, and European countries take charge of running the country.
“In principle, naturally, there could be a temporary administration implemented in Ukraine with the UN auspices, the United States, European states and our partners,” Putin said.
He also compared Trump’s blunt approach to peace negotiations with Russia with that of his predecessor, Joe Biden, citing that Trump’s openness indicates sincerity to end the war.
Russia Sticks to Its Goals
In spite of peace talk, Putin insisted that Russia is making progress in its military objectives. “Along the entire line of military contact, our forces are retaining the strategic initiative,” he declared. He also reiterated that Russia is looking for peaceful options but not on its own terms.
Putin ended by saying that he is willing to work with any country, including North Korea, to end the war.
